Ian Ball, the former CEO of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), has been appointed chairman of CIPFA International with a remit to focus on international growth and development.

Ball has spent the last ten years heading up IFAC and in 2009 oversaw the publication of the first comprehensive suite of International Public Sector Accounting Standards. He will join CIPFA at the beginning of next month and will be working with the institute's council and management team.

Speaking about his appointment, Ball said: 'It's a tremendously exciting prospect to be working with CIPFA and supporting its work to improve global public financial management. The institute is uniquely placed to help governments develop stronger financial management practices. But there is still a huge challenge to get all governments to take their financial responsibilities seriously.'

Rob Whiteman, CIPFA's incoming chief executive, said: 'Ian is renowned for both his deep knowledge of the profession and his abiding passion for improving public financial management. His expertise and guidance will be invaluable as we work to accelerate and expand CIPFA's international growth and development.'

Prior to joining IFAC Ball was Principal of Public Sector Performance (NZ) Ltd and Professor of Accounting and Public Policy at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He has also served as a member of the New Zealand Accounting Standards Board and of the International Accounting Standards Board's Standards Advisory Council. He is a member of CIPFA and also a fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants and of CPA Australia.